Risk Analysis Regarding Earlier Tendency of Local Physical Growth that Occurs Under the Earthquake Disaster

Abstract

　The wavelet interpolation model proposed by Fujii (2006) was applied in analyses using the national average data shown in school health statistical survey reports since before World War II, and height and weight growth data for children 6 to 17 years old in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures since 1955. The age at maximum peak velocity (MPV) of growth was then identified in the analyzed height and weight. The annual trends in MPV were investigated, from which slowing and accelerating tendencies that occurred in earthquake disaster environments were investigated. The results showed that there was an overall gradual lowering of the age at MPV in the national averages for both boys and girls, while the MPV age for height and weight in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures tended to occur at a little older ages starting in the 2000s. From this it is presumed that the effects of disasters may show local slowing of physical growth.